Baxter Barberthon raises thousands

Some famous faces were among those who made a donation to have their hair cut during a 24-hour initiative that took place in aid of premature and sick newborn babies.

Tom Baxter, from Cullercoats, the North East’s first Master Barber following competition success, was inspired to hold the Baxter Barberthon at his Newcastle Coast Road shop, which will take place between 8am on Sunday and 8am on Monday, after godson Jacob Elliott, now aged two, suffered a rare heart defect in utero.

The boy spent time on the Neonatal Unit at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

About £3,000 was raised for the Tiny Lives Trust – a registered charity that supports more than 700 families a year on the unit.

Joining the 32-year-old during the fund-raiser were fellow hairdressers Lyndsey Ford, who did 18 hours, Lesley Stitt, who did 12 hours, and Emma Gateshill, who did 10 hours.

The star names who came along included Newcastle United player Paul Dummett and Aaron Chalmers, former star of MTV’s Geordie Shore who quit last year to focus on his burgeoning professional fight career and other television opportunities.

Tom said: “I wanted to push myself and raise money for a great cause at the same time – without the care Jacob received, he wouldn’t be here today.

“I did hit the wall a little bit at about 4am, but I managed to get through it and I was pleased that quite a few people came in during the night.

“I’m grateful to everyone who donated and the ladies for doing such long stints.

“It was a really good day and we’re definitely going to do it again for another charity. I think I could do even longer next time, maybe 36 hours.”

Tiny Lives community and events fund-raiser Louise Carroll thanked Tom for his ‘amazing support by agreeing to cut people’s hair for 24 hours straight’.